[Ian]

This is another odd one that I've had for 20 years. The blade profile has been referred to as a Sulu pira (nothing to do with the pira of Yakan/Basilan). The dress, however, is distinctly odd.

The hilt may be a variant of the naga form, or perhaps a flower bud, with a brass punto. There is also a small upturned brass guard, which is distinctly odd for a Moro sword. The scabbard has okir carving resembling Maranao work, with remnants of colored paint decoration. There is also a drilled-through belt holder, again unusual for a Moro sword.

Putting this together, the best I can come up with is that we have a Moro blade dressed in Zamboanga, with the contributions of a Maranao carver. The small guard and belt holder have been seen on other Moro pieces believed to come from Zamboanga.

Those are my thoughts. Would be interested to hear what others think.


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